For Immediate Release: Friday, November 17, 2023
Contact: Office of Communications, Communications@MyFloridaCFO.com, 850.413.2842

**PHOTO RELEASE**
CFO & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis: Honoring Florida’s Fallen Firefighters

OCALA, Fla. – Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis released a statement honoring Florida’s fallen firefighters following the memorial event at the Florida State Fire College in Ocala. There were 16 fallen firefighters recognized during the Florida Fallen Firefighter Memorial at the Fire College. Additionally, CFO & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis addressed the families of the fallen firefighters and the fire service community at the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Parade in downtown Ocala Thursday night.

CFO & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “When a Florida firefighter falls in the line of duty, a community loses a hero, a state loses a protector, and the world loses a beacon of courage and selflessness. Firefighting isn’t just a job; it’s a calling, and their unwavering dedication to protecting their communities is reflected in the lives of those they serve. To the families that have lost a loved one to the fire service, my heart goes out to you. Rest assured that their memory will continue to live on and inspire generations to come, reminding us of the profound sacrifice made by those who choose to walk towards danger while others run away."

A list of the honored fallen firefighters is below:

• Raymond J. Hennessey – 1996 – Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
• Henry Cusell – 2003 – Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
• Michael J. Thompson – 2009 – Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
• Jim W. Vinsand, Sr. – 2017 – Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
• George F. Braun – 2018 – Gainesville Fire Rescue
• Thomas J. Cook – 2020 – Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
• Graeme Gilmour – 2021 – Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
• Jeffrey Smith – 2021 – Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
• Daryle Blankenship – 2022 – Titusville Fire Department
• Austin Duran – 2022 – Apopka Fire Department
• Robert E. Garmon, Jr. – 2022 – Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department
• Hillary C. Kanwischer – 2022 – North Lauderdale Fire Rescue
• Michael Riley – 2022 – St. Augustine Fire Department
• Richard B. Wolnewitz – 2022 – Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue
• Mark Reuter – 2023 – Riviera Beach Fire Rescue
• Jason C. Tucker – 2023 – Pasco County Fire Rescue

For more information on Florida’s Fallen Firefighter Memorial, click here.

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About CFO Jimmy Patronis  
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).